Injured Rutgers player to be honored at ESPYs

Former Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand will be presented the Jimmy V Perseverance Award on July 11 at the 2012 ESPY Awards, ESPN announced this morning.

In a 2010 game, LeGrand, a junior at the time, suffered a spinal cord injury that ended his playing career. Initially told he would be a quadriplegic and would have to remain on a ventilator, LeGrand worked hard and steadily improved over the following weeks. He began breathing on his own and later began standing upright with the aid of a metal frame.

LeGrand signed an honorary contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are coached by his former Rutgers coach, Greg Schiano.

The Jimmy V Perseverance Award was named after the late Jim Valvano, the North Carolina State basketball coach. Valvano gave an emotional acceptance speech that included his famous words “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!” Valvano passed away less than two months later.